The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word DAM
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
A
M
More clues leading to the result DAM
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Barrier" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case barrier = dam.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DAM mean?
DAM noun- A structure placed across a flowing body of water to stop the flow or part of the flow, generally for purposes such as retaining or diverting some of the water or retarding the release of accumulated water to avoid abrupt flooding.
- The water reservoir resulting from placing such structure.
- A device to prevent a tooth from getting wet during dental work, consisting of a rubber sheet held with a band.
- A reservoir.
- A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the front of the hearth of a blast furnace.
- To block the flow of water.
- Female parent, mother, generally regarding breeding of animals (correlative to sire).
- A kind of crowned piece in the game of draughts.
- An obsolete Indian copper coin, equal to a fortieth of a rupee.
- A former coin of Nepal, 128 of which were worth one mohar.
- Damn.